Spa days are synonymous with rest, relaxation, and escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For many, this means logging off from work, turning off the phone, and tuning out the technological buzz of the outside world. But what if technology could enhance the spa experience? In many ways, it already has.
At the 2023 ISPA conference, president of the International Spa Association Lynne McNees said “technology is reshaping the spa experience,” and the data agrees. The ISPA Foundation’s 2024 U.S. Spa Industry Study found that one in four spas are offering technology-driven experiences. Beyond that, 97 percent of spa owners and operators surveyed by the Spa Industry Association for the Spring 2024 Business Intelligence Report stated they’re using a comprehensive spa management software solution to operate their business.
By embracing technology, spas can enhance guest experiences, improve operational efficiency, and boost profitability. If your spa isn’t incorporating technology into its guest offerings and back-end operations, you risk falling behind the competition, missing out on valuable revenue opportunities, and hindering your spa’s long-term success. Here, discover the spa technology that is trending both for use in treatments and in facility management.
Tailored Treatments: Enhancing the Spa Experience with Technology
1. Touchless Treatments
Touchless wellness treatments have been around for decades, most notably with the introduction of contact-free energy work like Reiki during the early 20th century. The Covid-19 pandemic, however, significantly accelerated their popularity, as consumers sought safer and more hygienic spa experiences. Thanks to modern technology, today’s touchless treatments have expanded far beyond traditional energy work and encompass a wide range of services from massages to audio visual therapy and beyond. Several spa facilities managed by Arch Amenities Group offer a variety of touchless treatment options, for example, Privai Spa and Fitness Center at the Kimpton Epic Hotel in Miami which recently introduced Aescape massage tables. Multiple Arch Amenity Preferred Vendor Partners offer touchless treatment options as well, including Gharieni and Therabody, among others. Not only do these touchless treatment options enhance the guest experience, they also offer practical benefits for spa operators such as freeing up staff for additional clients and creating new revenue streams as add-ons for treatment menus.
2. AI-Skin Analysis
The rise of AI technology in recent years has transformed various industries, and the spa industry is no exception. According to an article from Zenoti, the global AI beauty industry is predicted to reach $1.26 billion by 2027. In spas, advanced AI-powered skin analysis tools such as the Zemits VeraFace, Perfect Corp’s AI Skin Analysis and Diagnostic Tool, and Canta Esthetic’s Skin Analysis Machine MOJI becoming increasingly popular. These tools can accurately assess skin conditions, identify specific concerns, and recommend personalized skincare treatments using a level of precision previously unattainable via esthetician alone. A 2021 clinical study published by the National Library of Medicine found that AI-powered skin analysis tools can complement traditional diagnostic methods, such as visual examination and skin biopsies, by providing more accurate and efficient assessments. By introducing these tools in combination with existing skincare offerings, spas open themselves to new clientele and increased revenue.
3. Laser and Light Therapy
Light and laser therapies have become mainstays in the modern spa, offering a wide range of non-invasive treatments for a variety of concerns. For example, many spas offer Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) for hair removal, infrared saunas for detoxification and relaxation, and LED therapy for skin revitalization. Spa-goers have turned to these innovative technologies for personalized and effective solutions to enhance their appearance, improve their overall well-being, or simply indulge in a non-traditional spa experience. By incorporating laser and light therapy into their offerings, spas can differentiate themselves from competitors, attract a wider clientele, and provide guests with cutting-edge treatments that meet their evolving needs
4. Music and Meditation
Music, and subsequently meditation, have become essential components of the modern spa experience, offering a holistic approach to relaxation and well-being. Several Arch-managed spa facilities offer innovative technologies like Somadome, unique meditation pods that combine sound therapy, light therapy, and other sensory elements to transform the way spas offer relaxation and wellness services. Additionally, brain-sensing headbands like Muse can provide real-time feedback on meditation and relaxation levels, helping clients achieve deeper states of calm. Some spas even offer custom music selection by treatment room, allowing clients to choose their own music during treatments to further personalize the experience and create a truly tailored environment for relaxation and stress reduction.
5. Cryotherapy Services
Cryotherapy, the practice of exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures for short periods, has gained popularity in recent years. While often associated with athletes seeking recovery, cryotherapy can offer a range of benefits for spa-goers as well, including pain relief, improved circulation, and even stress reduction. Beyond spas and fitness centers, the Global Wellness Institute reports that stand alone cryo-centers are on the rise as well, further showcasing the increase demand for cryotherapy services. While cryotherapy may not be suitable for everyone, it can be a valuable addition to a spa’s offerings, providing a unique and potentially beneficial experience for clients.
Streamlining Spa Operations: Tech Solutions for Success
1. Online Booking and SMS Reminders
Online booking and SMS reminders are powerful tools for staying connected to your spa’s target clientele. A 2023 study from the career experts at Zippia found that 67 percent of people prefer online booking and that 40 percent of appointments are booked after business hours, meaning if you’re not offering online booking options and making it easy for clients to book services at their convenience, you are missing out on appointments and revenue. Additionally, nearly 30 percent of beauty appointments are missed or canceled each year, which equals an estimated $67,000 revenue lost. Utilizing SMS (short message service) can decrease no-show rates and increase bookings via custom messaging and limited time offers. The average open rate for an SMS campaign is 98 percent, five times that of email, meaning it’s also the most impactful way to reach guests.
2. Contactless Check-In and Check Out
While it’s important to stay connected with spa guests to ensure quality service and provide opportunity for customer feedback and guest relations, trends are indicating that most consumers prefer self-service offerings across all industries. NICE’S 2022 Digital-First Customer Experience Report found that 81 percent of consumers say they want more self-service options. In the spa, this can be offered via contactless check-in and check-out services. The ISPA Foundation’s 2024 Consumer Report Snapshot revealed that contactless check-in upon arrival would leave a positive impact on a guest experience for more than half of spa-goers. Beyond guest appreciation, offering contactless check-in or check-out services streamlines business operations and free up staff to focus on other tasks.
3. Data Driven Marketing
Data analytics is transforming the spa industry, providing valuable insights into customer behavior and preferences. By analyzing information from various sources, spas can tailor their services, marketing strategies, and environment to meet the specific needs of their current and desired clientele. Arch Amenities Group’s Local Spa Market Report offers in-depth data on local demographics and psychographics, enabling spas to understand their target market. Combining mobility data, census information, and expert analysis, the report provides a comprehensive picture of a spa’s current and ideal future guests. Leveraging this data, Arch Amenities Group helps spas pinpoint their clientele, understand their preferences, and develop targeted strategies to attract and convert them.
4. Subscription Offerings
The ISPA Foundation’s 2024 Consumer Report Snapshot also found that 96 percent of spa-goers hold an annual subscription or membership that has year-round access and benefits (think streaming, delivery, food or meal prep memberships), and that more than 30 percent of spa-goers hold monthly or annual spa memberships. Utilizing a spa software that offers client subscription options can incentivize customers to return regularly by providing access to a diverse range of treatments and services at a fixed cost, eliminating the need for individual payment. In addition, recurring payment schedules are known to directly contribute to client retention and increased visit frequency.
5. Automated Inventory Management
Automated inventory management is a valuable asset for streamlining spa operations and ensuring that spas have the necessary products on hand to meet customer demand. By automating tasks like stock tracking, purchase order management, and expiration date monitoring, spas can reduce manual labor, minimize waste, and optimize their inventory costs. This technology can also provide valuable insights into product usage and popularity, helping spas to make informed decisions about their product offerings.
The Future of Spa Technology
The spa industry is entering a new era of relaxation and rejuvenation, fueled by groundbreaking technologies that redefine the traditional spa experience. As the industry continues to embrace these innovations, we can anticipate even more sophisticated advancements that will both elevate guest experience and streamline spa operations. Through the integration of technology both for clients and management, spas can position themselves for long-term success, cater to the evolving needs of their clients, and stay ahead of the competition in the wellness industry.
